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How-To Geek

Assigning shortcut keys to launch programs in Windows is probably one of the oldest geek tricks in the book, but in true geek fashion we are going to show you how to do it in Windows 8.

Launching a Program with a Shortcut Key

Hotkeys in Windows are applied to shortcuts, this allows you to create hotkeys to files and folders as well as programs. All you have to do is find, or create, a shortcut to the program you wish to open with a hotkey, right click on that shortcut and select properties from the context menu.

When the Properties dialog for the shortcut loads, click on the Shortcut key textbox.

Now all you need to do is press the key on your keyboard that you want to get teamed up with ctrl and alt.

For those looking for a more structured, central approach, I’ve found that Executor (http://executor.dk/) is a great way to do it. It allows you do run things from anywhere, with parameters/arguments as needed, too! HowToGeek has actually posted a couple of guides on it:

I just know I’ll still be using AutoHotkey when I switch from 7 to 8. AutoHotkey, besides creating shortcuts for all programs and documents, also works as an autocomplete app, which elimininates using another program for that purpose. My text editor (like all word processors) has autocomplete function, but AutoHotkey allows it system-wide. For keyboard launching, AutoHotkey includes the three modifier keys (Control, Shift, Alt) which multiplies the possibilities by four when paired with the Win key (counting Win key alone).

Set up a few Hotkeys and it worked well, until I shut down and re booted. Now none of the Hotkeys I created will work even though they are still set up and visible in the Properties box. Using W7 HP, any suggestions, please?

Set up a few Hotkeys and it worked well, until I shut down and re booted. Now none of the Hotkeys I created will work even though they are still set up and visible in the Properties box. Any suggestions, please?